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Learning and teaching

Students talking on University Street
Ireland's Oxbridge

Described by The Sunday Times as ‘Ireland’s Oxbridge’, the quality of teaching is recognised as being of the highest standard.

Our students are taught by academics passionate about the latest discoveries in their fields. Informed by exceptional teaching, all of our degree programmes come with a promise to produce world-class graduates.

Main entrance to the lanyon building with students walking in and out
THE RUSSELL GROUP

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, an independent body of 24 top-ranking, research-led UK universities.

This marks Queen’s as one of the most exceptional teaching universities in the country, alongside heavyweights such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

Our teaching methods

We strive to enhance our students’ learning experience, and ensure all our students feel fully engaged. In lectures debate and discussion are actively encouraged.

Our teaching is informed by our research, which is of national and international standing. This means we constantly push the boundaries, introducing new ways of thinking into our teaching and assessment.

The latest technology

We use the latest technology to support learning throughout the University.

We have embraced the latest equipment and tools to deliver on our promise of value to students while maintaining traditional teaching models. You can access lectures over the Internet, or download them to your mobile or tablet. Our flexible teaching areas accommodate a wide range of teaching and learning styles.

Campus and Facilities
PHOTO: The Guardian
Queen's has an excellent academic reputation. Its students enjoy being taught by world-leading academics. The university has won Queen's Anniversary prizes for further and higher education on five occasions, and is recognised for its focus on employability and entrepreneurship skills The Guardian
University Guide 2016
Marie Coleman and students 800x533
Research that informs teaching
The Research Excellence Framework 2021

A UK-wide research assessment of higher education institutions, REF confirmed that 99 per cent of the University's research is world-class or internationally leading.

More about REF results
Students talking on University Street
THE RUSSELL GROUP

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, an independent body of 24 top-ranking, research-led UK universities.

This marks Queen’s as one of the most exceptional teaching universities in the country, alongside heavyweights such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

A student using the computer facilities in the Computer Science Building
Top of the class

10 Queen’s subjects feature in the UK top 10, according to the Guardian University Guide 2018.

These include Criminology (1st in the UK) along with Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2nd in the UK). Overall we have 21 subjects in the top 20.

Students working in the McClay Library
The McClay Library
Designed for the 21st century

The award-winning McClay Library has been designed for the 21st century, encompassing striking open plan architecture with the very latest in educational technology. It gives students a quiet, private environment when they need but also the chance to learn and embrace a raft of skills in preparation for the workplace.

What it offers

Teachers of calibre

Dr Joe Duffy

In 2014, Queen’s social work lecturer Dr Joe Duffy was named one of the UK’s most outstanding teachers.

Involved in pioneering innovative teaching methods with carers and service users, Dr Duffy was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) – one of the most prestigious awards in UK higher education.

Dr Joe Duffy
Colin McCoy
Postgraduate teaching and guidance
Professor Colin McCoy, School of Pharmacy

"My goal as a supervisor is to prepare students for a successful career, not just as subject experts with cutting edge knowledge of their field, but as independent, creative and adaptable thinkers."

Emma and Emily walking at Lanyon
Setting high standards
National Student Survey 2015

90 per cent of students awarded Queen’s a high satisfaction rating, meaning we are ranked 12th in the UK for student satisfaction.